Turkish military 'neutralizes' 7 PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria

Turkish security forces "neutralized" seven PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria, near the Turkish border, the country's National Defense Ministry said on May 4.

The terrorists, who were preparing for attacks in the operation Euphrates Shield and Peace Spring zones, were neutralized, the ministry said on X, Anadolu Agency reports.

Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerimiz, terörü kaynağında yok etmek için kesintisiz operasyonlarla mücadeleye devam ediyor.

Suriye’nin kuzeyindeki Fırat Kalkanı ve Barış Pınarı bölgelerinde saldırı hazırlığı yapan 7 PKK/YPG’li terörist etkisiz hâle getirildi.

Terör inlerini yerle bir… pic.twitter.com/WKhMlzy13R

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) May 4, 2024

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

In its nearly 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU — has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).